A sudden touch on his shoulder made Trey flinch. When Bella Donna patted him, every hair on his body stood on end, and the world seemed to grow dim around the edges. Vague, horrifying apparitions of rotting corpses flickered at the periphery of his vision, wandering the area completely unnoticed by anyone else. Trey trembled, breaking into a cold sweat, but forced himself to take deep, repeated breaths.
"Ms. Bella Donna, whatever you're doing… could you please stop? It's a bit disturbing," Trey said, forcing a smile while his hands clenched his own thighs tightly.
Bella Donna slowly removed her hand from his shoulder. The oppressive pressure, the apparitions, and the gloomy atmosphere vanished in the blink of an eye.
"Wow! You're impressive. I only touched you, and you could already see them," Bella Donna remarked, sounding genuinely surprised.
"Phew! What were those?" Trey exhaled in relief.
"Who knows? Maybe spirits… or perhaps ghosts?" Bella Donna replied with an innocent smile.
Trey's eyes widened. They fell into a wordless, awkward silence.
"Trey, please proceed to the counter," the female clerk called out.
Elfa gave him a meaningful look from across the room. Light waved him over, but Trey noticed her corneas had turned an inky, pupil-less black, and she was staring sharply at Bella Donna from a distance.
The Final Registration
The clerk recorded all his answers. "Alright. As an immigrant without official documentation, you will be registered as a temporary visitor. You are given six months to either obtain permanent documents or arrange your official status."
She handed Trey a piece of paper. "This is your temporary permit. Please keep it safe and present it if requested by the authorities."
"Thank you," Trey said, taking the paper.
However, before they could leave the desk, the clerk added, "One more thing. As a new arrival, I need to check your magical energy resonance with our nation. Please hold this Mana Absorption Card. It will indicate if you pose a magical threat or not." She held out a small, clear card.
Trey touched it. Nothing happened. This was strange—the card was supposed to turn green if someone's magical energy was neutral and below risk level, and red if it was dangerous. The card remained completely clear and inert.
The clerk tried it several times, but there was still no reaction. "This is the first time this has ever happened," she muttered, perplexed.
The sound of high heels clicking on marble approached the desk.
"He has no magical energy," Bella Donna stated calmly, smiling as she looked at Trey.
"No magical energy? Impossible!... (She looked back at the card)... Wait! Maybe his magical energy is simply too minuscule for the card to detect!" The clerk snapped her fingers, seeming to land on this explanation.
Quickly, the clerk handed Trey two cards: a general identification card and a Mana Card colored green.
"It was a pleasure to assist you. I hope we meet again under pleasant circumstances," the clerk said with a final professional smile. "I recommend you take some time to explore the capital. It will help you understand Midlandia's rules and culture."
Trey looked at Elfa. "Sightseeing, huh?"
Elfa gave a small smile. "That was just a brief session. Let's go find some food."
The clerk smiled. "Don't worry. This process is designed to ensure all visitors can adjust well."
Registration Complete
After finishing all the procedures, Trey, Elfa, and Light stepped out of the Registration Hall. Unexpectedly, a figure was waiting for them just outside.
"Good day to you three. If you don't mind, may I have a word with Ms. Light?" Bella Donna asked, standing under a parasol and giving a slight curtsy, smoothing her skirt.
"Business with me? How about we discuss it at that café over there," Light suggested, pointing to a quaint establishment not far away.
Light looked at Bella Donna with a sharp gaze, her corneas so dark they seemed to absorb all light, reflecting nothing. Bella Donna's expression was hidden behind her Venetian mask, with only one eye visible, but her wide smile revealed two deep dimples.
Poke! Poke! Poke!
Suddenly, Trey began prodding Light's cheek repeatedly with a small twig.
"Hey! Don't waste my time. I'm hungry," Trey said, decisively breaking the tense standoff.
"Oh, how cute! But could you stop poking my cheek?" Light said, pinching Trey's cheek in return.
"Bonk!" Trey declared.
"Bonk?" Light repeated, confused.
Trey produced a larger, longer stick.
Bonk! He tapped Light on the head with it.
"I'm hungry, Elfa! Light's treating us today," Trey announced.
Elfa, from a short distance away, wore a suspiciously happy smile at the prospect of a free meal.
"Haha, let's go to the café," Light invited Bella Donna, who simply nodded in agreement.
A classic café on a busy street corner, warmed by the glow of golden pendant lights. The air was rich with the scent of strong black coffee and freshly baked, buttered bread. The space was decorated with dark wood furniture, burgundy curtains, and walls adorned with classical-era paintings.
Trey, Elfa, Light, and Bella Donna stepped inside, greeted by the soft chime of a small bell on the door. They took a round wooden table by the window. Trey and Elfa sat on one side, giving Light and Bella Donna space for a more private discussion.
The Discussion Between Bella Donna and Light
Light regarded Bella Donna with her empty, black-cornea eyes. Bella Donna simply maintained her usual smile, crossing her legs gracefully and placing her folded parasol to the side.
"So, what business do you have with me, Bella?" Light asked, her tone cold and her gaze sharp.
Bella Donna rested her chin on her palm, looking at Light with great interest. "I just wanted to talk… and get your opinion on something, Ms. Light."
"My opinion?" Light raised an eyebrow.
Bella Donna's smile widened. "Trey is different, isn't he? I can see it. Even though he's an ordinary human, there's something distinct about him internally. Especially his demeanor. I like it, but that's not the main attraction for me. It's the same for you, isn't it?" She gave a small laugh, covering her mouth but meeting Light's intense stare.
Light gripped her coffee cup, set it down, and began stirring in milk. "Oh? State your reasons, please," she said, her eyes wide open and focused.
Bella Donna turned her head slightly, her gaze falling on Trey, who was chatting idly with Elfa. "That boy… Mr. Trey is quite interesting to me. One could say he fits the profile of the person I'm looking for. If you don't mind… could I have Trey?"
Light's face became completely expressionless, her dark corneas now like mirrors reflecting Bella's image.
"Your reasoning?" Light asked, one eyebrow arched.
"I need an heir. For your information, I also don't use magic, just like Trey. But we share a similarity. We possess high spirit, soul, or spiritual energy."
Light closed her eyes, sighed, and swirled her coffee cup.
"I'm sorry, but you'll have to ask Trey himself. He doesn't belong to me. Not currently, anyway," Light said, her eyes dim but her posture relaxed.
"Not currently? What do you mean by that?" Bella's visible eye opened wide.
"Hey, how about we have a little competition? We'll compete for Trey. The winner gets him, and the loser gets nothing. Sounds fun and fair, doesn't it?" Light suggested, a playful smile spreading across her face. Her left eye closed in a wink, while her right eye glowed with its natural citrine hue. Her expression was that of a predator toying with its prey.
Light reached into her pocket and pulled out her Mana Card. She shook it gently. The card changed color. At first, it was green, indicating Light's magical energy was neutral. A second shake turned it yellowish, showing her energy was approaching dangerous levels. A third shake made it pulse a deep, alarming red.
Seeing the card's reaction, Bella Donna broke into a slight sweat, but her mouth curled into a grin. Was it fear, or something else? She immediately produced her own Mana Card and showed it to Light.
"Ms. Light, there's no need to try and intimidate me. Compared to you, I might seem less threatening, but please don't underestimate me, okay?" she said, showing a card that was crystal clear, indicating a magical energy reading of zero.
"Ehhh? We're the same. I'm weak too," Light said, winking as she gave her card one final shake.
Light's Mana Card turned completely clear, showing a magical energy value of zero.
"Pfft. Ahahaha. You're far too humble. But I'm afraid I'm running short on time," Bella Donna laughed softly, covering her mouth with a hand. She checked a small chain-watch on her wrist and stood up. "My children are waiting. In that case, I'll consider your… proposal another time. I look forward to our next meeting." She extended a hand to Light.
Light pushed her chair back and stood to shake it, but held onto Bella's hand for a moment. "Hey. Could you wait just five more minutes? There's an interesting discussion happening over there," Light said, pointing her index finger towards Trey and Elfa.
Trey and Elfa were engrossed in their own animated conversation, making Bella smile slightly.
"Okay, this is quite interesting," Bella conceded, setting her parasol down again. They both sat back down to observe.
An Unplanned Rendezvous
Light and Bella Donna sat at one table, engaged in serious discussion. Meanwhile, Trey and Elfa enjoyed cafe atmosphere at their table far more relaxed.
A waiter brought over Trey and Elfa's orders. He mistakenly placed a strong Irish Coffee in front of Elfa, who had ordered the much milder Baileys Coffee.
Trey stuffed a piece of bread into his mouth while glancing over at Light and Bella Donna. "They look serious, huh?" he said between chews.
Elfa leaned back in their chair with a slight smile. "Hmm… Bella Donna does love her puzzles. I don't know her intentions, but she's no ordinary person."
Trey let out a soft sigh. "There's always a weird person around us, huh? But to me, she's more… unsettling. Honestly, she made me uncomfortable. Then again, when I think about it, everything here feels foreign to me." He took a sip of milk, leaving a faint white mustache on his upper lip.
Elfa chuckled. "In my opinion, you're weirder than anything here." Suddenly, Elfa took a napkin from the table and wiped the milk from Trey's lip.
Trey's eyes went wide, his expression turning sharp. "Would you stop that? I'm not a little kid. I'm 27! Did you forget?"
"Is that so?" Elfa said, reaching out to pinch his cheek. "Then why is this 27-year-old drinking milk like a toddler?"
Trey snorted, swatting their hand away. "Can you please treat me like an adult?"
Elfa's face suddenly turned a bit more serious. They were silent for a moment before letting out a slow sigh.
"An adult, huh?" Elfa stirred their coffee slowly and took a sip. Their ears and cheeks began to turn faintly red. Trey said nothing, watching Elfa's suddenly distant expression.
"Do you know how hard it is to be an adult?" Elfa began, their voice heavier. "Things like earning money, working long hours… and finding a partner. Especially for me, an Elf. Can you imagine watching your partner grow old and die while you live on for centuries?"
Trey raised an eyebrow, not expecting this turn in the conversation. "Um. Are you okay?"
Elfa covered their face with their hands for a moment before looking up and leaning on the table. "For male Elves, they can have harems. But for a female Elf with a male partner whose lifespan is short… they're forced to change partners. Isn't that being unfaithful? Or worse—it's like treating your partner as a disposable item?" Elfa's face drew closer to Trey's.
Unconsciously, Elfa gripped Trey's shoulders. Trey flinched slightly, trying to keep his startled expression in check.
"Be strong. I'm sure there's someone out there who would want to be your partner."
"How would you know?" Elfa retorted sharply.
"I've never felt what you feel, but…" Trey's eyes darted around the café. Several men were clearly stealing glances at Elfa, captivated by their beauty. "…You're so beautiful you attract a lot of attention."
Elfa scoffed. "That's because I'm an Elf. Not because of who I am inside! I'm strict, cold, and hard to approach. That's why men keep their distance."
Trey sighed, setting his milk glass down on the table. "Then the men who avoid you simply don't know how to appreciate you, or they're blind to let go of a perfect woman like you."
Elfa seemed taken aback.
Trey continued, "In my eyes, you're motherly, firm, patient, and sincere. That's why I feel comfortable around you. Even though you have annoying habits, that's what makes life colorful for someone—including me. That's why I say they don't know how to appreciate you or are blind, because they can't accept your strict and cold side."
He took a breath before adding, "But remember, compatibility and willingness also play a huge part in finding a partner. Was my lecture too long? If it were written down, it'd be a slog to read. Ahaha."
Elfa fell silent, then a sweet smile spread across their face.
Around them, several women who had overheard Trey's words nodded in agreement. Even Light and Bella Donna paused their conversation for a moment, watching them with thin smiles.
Elfa rested their chin on their hand, smiling. Their fingers traced the rim of Trey's milk glass. They then looked up slightly, gazing into Trey's eyes.
"Since you know me so deeply and accept my annoying side… how about you become my partner?"
Trey didn't answer immediately. He took his milk glass back from Elfa's vicinity and took a small sip.
"Am I being rejected?" Elfa raised one eyebrow, a mischievous smile on their lips. "Usually, I'm the one doing the rejecting."
Trey lowered his head a little. "I'm not rejecting you. Give me time to think. Besides, why would you want to be with me? I'm just a pathetic human."
Elfa put on a serious face and pinched Trey's cheek again. "Why! In the end, you're just playing with me!" Trey grabbed Elfa's hand, freeing his cheek from their grip.
"Wait. You think my proposal is just a joke?" Elfa asked.
"If I were given a choice, I might prefer to choose someone like you over being forced into an arranged marriage in my homeland," they said, their tone becoming slightly more serious.
Trey furrowed his brow. "Huh? You're serious?"
Elfa smiled wider. "That depends on the answer you give me."
Bonk!
Light appeared from behind and lightly knocked Elfa on the head with a water bottle, then tapped Trey's head with her hand. "Finished eating? Let's go. I'm bored."
"Mr. Trey, Ms. Elfa, Ms. Light, I must take my leave now. Someone is waiting for me. Until next time. Goodbye," Bella Donna said, heading for the exit with a wave.
After Bella left, Trey let out a sigh of relief. 'I hope I never see Bella again. That was terrifying,' he thought.
As they went to pay, the staff informed them that their entire bill had already been covered by Bella Donna.
'Why do I feel guilty now?' Trey wondered internally.
They smiled and left the café.
"I just thought of something interesting. Follow me!" Elfa said suddenly, trying to grab Trey's hand.
Trey quickly dodged and hid behind Light.
"I told you, I'm not a kid. Don't make me prove my maturity," Trey insisted, peeking out from behind Light.
"The question is, does a mature man hide behind a woman?" Light teased, glancing back at Trey.
"Ahem! I'll follow you, but please stop treating me like a child. You know that's annoying."
They followed Elfa until they reached a small, crowded platform where two children were playing, watched by one adult and a couple of travelers. From a distance, Trey could see a rusted sword plunged into the center of the platform, making his expression sour.
"Ta-da! Let's try your luck. If you pull this sword out and it shines, you can keep it. If you pull it out and it's still rusty, you're the sword's intermediary for the true hero. But if you can't pull it out at all, you're not worthy of being either the intermediary or the hero. Want to try?" Elfa announced, gesturing grandly towards the rusty sword.
"Ah, great. I have a bad feeling about this. I'm doomed," Trey said, his face smiling but his eyes completely blank.
Meanwhile, in a narrow alley beside the platform, a group of robed men watched intently.
"If anyone gets in the way of us stealing that sword, just eliminate them," a man in a black robe whispered, gripping his weapon tightly.